“One who always serves and respects the elderly is always blessed with four things- long life, wisdom, fame and power.” These are excerpts from the Manusmriti, the earliest metrical work of India.
Indian tradition never considered the problem of aging as a burden but instead, the value based here had learnt and always taught to respect the elders of direct and indirect relations. The women of the house were given the primary responsibility of caring for the elders and responding to their needs although everyone played their part as well.
But today, it does seem that the generations have long forgotten this remarkable tradition of treating elders with respect and kindness. In reality however, there is a need to consider the change in lifestyle which was inevitable with changing times. The women now had to consider their own aspirations to better their lives and their families so; the duty of caring for the elders was to be shared by every member of the family.
The generation gap however, left no time for the elderly to accept this paradigm shift.
Challenges faced by the elderly
7.6% of India‟s 1.2 billion strong populations are above the age of 60. As we sang the birthday song for the 7 billionth baby of the world, we also note the increased stress on the elderly.
* In today‟s society we find the trend of „grand dumping‟ especially in the urban parts of India where the urban rich elderly are dumped in old age homes and are told to fend for themselves. Estimates also suggest that 40% of those living with children face abuse of some kind of the other.
* Economically, India has progressed in securing savings for the aged with banks providing greater interests for senior citizens. With the popularization of the nuclear family mantra, however, the elder elements have been pushed to part with their savings for the benefit of these families rather than for their own personal use.
* Moreover, it is often seen that the more vulnerable of the elders – like the disabled, suffer the most.
Youth Responsibilities
The youth apart from being sensitized to the difficulties and needs of the elderly, needs to understand that it is their duty to be empathetic.
* Actively participate in forums for the benefit of the elderly
* Charity begins at home, so we should first look at our home condition and serve our own grandparents better before even thinking of caring for strangers
* A smile can go a long way. It is the facial expression of respect and humility that would be recognized by the elders as the first sign of love.
* Keep a respectful distance. In our enthusiasm we may outdo our care which at times maybe irritating to them. We should not allow them to feel helpless, for them, their sense of individuality is the greatest of pleasures and honor.
Indian tradition never considered the problem of aging as a burden but instead, the value based here had learnt and always taught to respect the elders of direct and indirect relations. The women of the house were given the primary responsibility of caring for the elders and responding to their needs although everyone played their part as well.
But today, it does seem that the generations have long forgotten this remarkable tradition of treating elders with respect and kindness. In reality however, there is a need to consider the change in lifestyle which was inevitable with changing times. The women now had to consider their own aspirations to better their lives and their families so; the duty of caring for the elders was to be shared by every member of the family.
The generation gap however, left no time for the elderly to accept this paradigm shift.
Challenges faced by the elderly
7.6% of India‟s 1.2 billion strong populations are above the age of 60. As we sang the birthday song for the 7 billionth baby of the world, we also note the increased stress on the elderly.
* In today‟s society we find the trend of „grand dumping‟ especially in the urban parts of India where the urban rich elderly are dumped in old age homes and are told to fend for themselves. Estimates also suggest that 40% of those living with children face abuse of some kind of the other.
* Economically, India has progressed in securing savings for the aged with banks providing greater interests for senior citizens. With the popularization of the nuclear family mantra, however, the elder elements have been pushed to part with their savings for the benefit of these families rather than for their own personal use.
* Moreover, it is often seen that the more vulnerable of the elders – like the disabled, suffer the most.
Youth Responsibilities
The youth apart from being sensitized to the difficulties and needs of the elderly, needs to understand that it is their duty to be empathetic.
* Actively participate in forums for the benefit of the elderly
* Charity begins at home, so we should first look at our home condition and serve our own grandparents better before even thinking of caring for strangers
* A smile can go a long way. It is the facial expression of respect and humility that would be recognized by the elders as the first sign of love.
* Keep a respectful distance. In our enthusiasm we may outdo our care which at times maybe irritating to them. We should not allow them to feel helpless, for them, their sense of individuality is the greatest of pleasures and honor.
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